Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (D.A.R.T.)

D.A.R.T. exists to protect, empower, and advocate for all victims, survivors, and their children affected by domestic and dating violence while offering and implementing education programs.

The Bienville Parish DART Office opened in 2001 and served 52 people last year. In the rural offices, the Rural Advocate is responsible for filing protective orders, counseling survivors, arranging for emergency shelter if it is needed, and networking with other helping organizations in order to get survivors the resources they need. Other than direct services, the Bienville Parish DART Office engages in community outreach efforts, awareness activities and fundraising events. The Bienville Parish Rural Advocate, Felicia Cooper, remains busy going out into the schools throughout Bienville Parish, speaking with children of all ages on Teen Dating Violence and Bullying.

In 2002, DART opened a rural office in Claiborne Parish. This office serves approximately 100 clients per year. With a main office in Homer and a satellite office in Haynesville, the Rural Advocate has been able to help many women, children, and even some men who have experienced firsthand the damaging effects of domestic violence.

The Claiborne Parish office has an extremely supportive community, including a very solid CCRT (Coordinated Community Response Team). This group is made up of community leaders and interested individuals who want to help in the fight against domestic violence. They assist in fundraising and community awareness events as well.